Prostate glove with receiver fibers

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve measuring a prostate or other object. In some embodiments, a membrane can be sealed over a digit extension to form a closed volume. The closed volume can be inflated via an inflation tube, and a reference pattern can be disposed within the closed volume along with a measurement assembly. In use, a user can put on the glove, position the membrane in proximity to a rectal wall overlying a prostate, and inflate the membrane. As the user slides their finger across the rectal wall, optical fibers in the measurement assembly can move relative to a reference pattern, and a controller can sense light reflected through the fibers from the reference pattern. The controller can calculate or estimate various attributes of the prostate based on the reflected light, such as the palpable surface width or volume.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for measuring orevaluating an object. In some embodiments, systems and methods formeasuring the prostate are provided.

BACKGROUND

Prostate problems are widespread in the male population, especially theolder male population. In particular, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)and prostate cancer are common in men over 50 years of age. Indeed,prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the UnitedStates. Each year, there are more than 200,000 new cases and more than30,000 deaths. However, if prostate cancer is detected early and treatedeffectively, the chance of survival improves significantly.Unfortunately, conventional methods for detecting prostate problems arewanting as many early stage cancers go undetected.

While ultrasound systems have been developed to diagnose prostateproblems, such systems are very expensive. Most ultrasound imaging isperformed by radiologists at an outside facility, or at thepractitioner's office on a contract basis with a portable ultrasoundunit. The technology and interpretation is difficult to master,requiring a time-consuming learning curve. Consequently, no routineexamining system or technique exists which provides a high degree ofaccuracy in measuring prostate volume, nor is the required repeatabilityof results achieved.

Thus, the digital rectal examination continues to be the modality ofchoice for monitoring the prostate even though the process is verysubjective. The standard exam is done by inserting a finger into therectum and palpating or feeling the palpable surface of the prostate.The physical characteristics of the prostate size, contour, consistency,symmetry, and the presence or absence of nodularity, are assessed andrecorded by attempting to translate the physician's subjectiveimpressions into a written record. This method of data collection isinexact and makes comparisons from exam to exam very difficult.

Exemplary methods and devices for measuring the prostate are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,319, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURINGTHE DIMENSIONS OF THE PALPABLE SURFACE OF THE PROSTATE,” U.S.Publication No. 2009/0069721, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FORMEASURING THE DIMENSIONS OF THE PALPABLE SURFACE OF THE PROSTATE,” andU.S. Publication No. 2011/0172563, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FORMEASURING THE DIMENSIONS OF THE PALPABLE SURFACE OF THE PROSTATE,” theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve measuringa prostate or other object. In some embodiments, a reference pattern ispositioned adjacent to the object to be measured and light reflectedfrom the reference pattern is measured or interpreted to estimatevarious attributes of the object, such as its volume. For example, amembrane can be sealed over a glove to form a closed volume. The closedvolume can be configured to be expanded via an inflation tube, and areference pattern can be disposed within the closed volume along withone or more optical fibers. In use, a user can put on the glove,position the membrane in proximity to a rectal wall overlying aprostate, and inflate the membrane. As the user slides their fingeracross the rectal wall, the optical fibers move relative to thereference pattern and a controller senses light reflected through thefibers from the reference pattern. The controller can calculate orestimate various attributes of the prostate based on the reflectedlight, such as the palpable surface width or volume.

In one aspect, an examination device is provided that includes a gloveconfigured to be removably disposed around a human hand, the glovehaving a digit extension configured to receive a human digit of a humanhand disposed within the glove. The device can include a membranedisposed over at least a portion of the digit extension, the membraneand the digit extension forming a closed volume therebetween. The devicecan also include a reference pattern disposed within the closed volume,and at least one optical fiber extending into the closed volume and inoptical communication with the reference pattern, the optical fiberbeing configured to move relative to the reference pattern.

An inflation tube can extend into the closed volume through which aninflation medium can be supplied to inflate the membrane relative to thedigit extension. In one embodiment, the at least one fiber can extendthrough the inflation tube. In certain aspects, the membrane can be inthe form of an elongate tubular body having a closed distal end and aproximal end that is sealed circumferentially around the digitextension. The membrane can be sealed to the digit extension, forexample, using an adhesive. In other aspects, the optical fiber can becoupled to the digit extension and the reference pattern can be coupledto the membrane. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one opticalfiber can include a first transmitting fiber configured to direct lightgenerated by an external light source onto the reference pattern, and afirst receiver fiber configured to direct light reflected by thereference pattern to a first external optical detector. The at least oneoptical fiber can further include a second receiver fiber configured todirect light reflected by the reference pattern to a second externaloptical detector. The first transmitter fiber, the first receiver fiber,and the second receiver fiber can extend through an inflation tubeconfigured to supply an inflation medium to the closed volume.

In another aspect, an examination device is provided that includes aglove configured to be removably disposed around a human hand, aninflatable membrane sealed around at least a portion of the glove todefine a closed volume between the membrane and the glove, a referencepattern coupled to a surface of the membrane, and at least one opticalfiber extending into the closed volume and coupled to the glove suchthat the at least one optical fiber is movable with the portion of theglove relative to the membrane, the at least one optical fiber being inoptical communication with the reference pattern.

The at least one optical fiber can include a first transmitter fiber, afirst receiver fiber, and a second receiver fiber. The device caninclude an inflation tube in fluid communication with the closed volumefor delivering an inflation fluid into the closed volume to inflate themembrane relative to the glove. The at least one optical fiber canextend through the inflation tube.

In another aspect, a method of measuring a prostate is provided thatincludes positioning a digit extension of a glove in proximity to arectal wall adjacent the prostate, the digit extension having at leastone optical fiber coupled thereto and a membrane disposed therearound toform a closed volume. The method can also include inflating the closedvolume relative to the digit extension such that the membrane contactsthe rectal wall, and moving the at least one optical fiber across areference pattern disposed within the closed volume from a first lateralmargin of the prostate to a second lateral margin of the prostate,thereby generating information indicative of a distance traveled by theat least one optical fiber.

The method can include using at least one processor to correlate theinformation indicative of a distance traveled by the at least oneoptical fiber with a palpable surface width of the prostate. The methodcan include using at least one processor to correlate the palpablesurface width of the prostate with a volume of the prostate. The atleast one optical fiber can be coupled to the digit extension, thereference pattern can be coupled to the membrane, and moving the atleast one optical fiber can include moving the digit extension relativeto the membrane.

In another aspect, an examination device is provided that includes aninflatable membrane defining an enclosed volume, and a substrate coupledto an interior surface of the membrane and having a plurality ofreference lines formed on the substrate and arranged along a measurementaxis. The substrate can be configured such that, when the inflatablemembrane is inflated, a spacing between the plurality of reference linesremains constant.

The indicia can be printed on the substrate. The substrate can includeor be formed of polyethylene. The substrate can be attached to themembrane only along a central axis of the substrate. The central axiscan extend perpendicular to the measurement axis. The substrate can beattached to the membrane only at a center point of the substrate. Thesubstrate can be attached to the membrane using at least one of anadhesive and a weld. The substrate can have a thickness between about0.5 mils and about 6.0 mils. The substrate can have a thickness of about2 mils. The device can include an optical fiber extending into theenclosed volume defined by the membrane. The membrane can be disposedover a digit extension of a glove.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an examination device isprovided that includes attaching a substrate to a membrane such that themembrane is stretchable independently from the substrate, the substratehaving a reference pattern comprising a plurality of indicia formed onthe substrate and spaced along a measurement axis. The method caninclude positioning the membrane over a digit extension of a gloveconfigured to be removably disposed around a human hand, and sealing aperimeter of the membrane to the glove such that the digit extension isindependently movable relative to the reference pattern.

The substrate can be attached to the membrane only along a central axisof the substrate, the central axis extending perpendicular to themeasurement axis. The indicia can be printed on the substrate. Thesubstrate can be attached to the membrane only at a center point of thesubstrate. The substrate can be attached to the membrane using at leastone of an adhesive and a weld. The method can include coupling anoptical fiber to the glove such that a terminal end of the optical fiberextends between the membrane and the glove.

In another aspect, a method of measuring a prostate is provided thatincludes positioning a membrane in proximity to a rectal wall adjacent aprostate. The method can include inflating the membrane such that themembrane contacts the rectal wall, wherein a substrate attached to aninterior surface of the membrane has a plurality of reference linesformed thereon, the reference lines defining a space therebetween thatremains constant as the membrane is inflated. The method can includemoving at least one optical fiber extending into an interior volume ofthe membrane across the plurality of reference lines to generateinformation indicative of a distance traveled by the at least oneoptical fiber.

The membrane can be disposed around a digit extension of a glove, andinflating the membrane can expand an interior volume between the gloveand the membrane.

In another aspect, an examination device is provided that includes aglove configured to be removably disposed over a human hand, a membranedisposed over a portion of the glove and defining an enclosed volumebetween the glove and the membrane, and a reference pattern comprising aplurality of indicia disposed on the membrane and arranged along ameasurement axis.

The indicia can be printed on the membrane. The indicia can be printedon a substrate coupled to the membrane. A spacing between the pluralityof indicia as measured along the measurement axis can be configured toremain constant upon inflation and deflation of the membrane. Theplurality of indicia can include lines extending perpendicular to themeasurement axis. The lines can be separated by spaces having a width asmeasured along the measurement axis that is equal to a width of thelines as measured along the measurement axis. The lines can be separatedby spaces having a width as measured along the measurement axis that isless than half of a width of the lines as measured along the measurementaxis. The device can include an optical fiber extending into theenclosed volume, the lines being separated by spaces having a width asmeasured along the measurement axis that is less than a diameter of theoptical fiber. The lines can have a width as measured along themeasurement axis of approximately 0.7 mm and the lines can be separatedby spaces having a width as measured along the measurement axis ofapproximately 0.3 mm. The plurality of indicia can define a uniformseries of alternating dark and light portions. The plurality of indiciacan extend along a portion of the substrate having a width a measuredalong the measurement axis of about 2 inches and a height as measuredalong an axis perpendicular to the measurement axis of about 1.5 inches.

In another aspect, an examination device is provided that includes aninflatable membrane configured to be disposed over and sealed around adigit extension of a glove for a human hand, the membrane defining anenclosed volume. The device can include a non-inflatable substratecoupled to an interior surface of the inflatable membrane, thenon-inflatable substrate having a reference pattern disposed thereon,the reference pattern comprising a plurality of indicia arranged along ameasurement axis.

The plurality of indicia can extend substantially parallel to oneanother. The plurality of indicia can define a uniform series ofalternating dark and light portions. The plurality of indicia can beseparated by spaces having a width that is equal to a width of thelines. The plurality of indicia can be separated by spaces having awidth that is less than half of a width of the lines. The device caninclude an optical fiber extending into the enclosed volume, theplurality of indicia being separated by spaces having a width that isless than a diameter of the optical fiber. The plurality of indicia canhave a width of approximately 0.7 mm and the lines can be separated byspaces having a width of approximately 0.3 mm.

In another aspect, an examination device is provided that includes amembrane defining an interior volume, a reference pattern disposedwithin the interior volume of the membrane, an illumination fiberextending into the interior volume of the membrane and configured totransmit light to the reference pattern through an output window, afirst receiving fiber extending into the interior volume of the membraneand configured to receive light reflected from the reference patternthrough a first input window, and a second receiving fiber extendinginto the interior volume of the membrane and configured to receive lightreflected from the reference pattern through a second input window.

The output window can be formed in a terminal distal end of theillumination fiber, the first input window can be formed in a terminaldistal end of the first receiving fiber, and the second input window canbe formed in a terminal distal end of the second receiving fiber. Theoutput window, the first input window, and the second input window canbe disposed adjacent to one another in a delta configuration. Thereference pattern can include a plurality of indicia arranged along ameasurement axis and the first input window and the second input windowcan be arranged in a line that is substantially parallel to themeasurement axis. The plurality of indicia can include a series of linesspaced equally along the measurement axis. The illumination fiber, thefirst receiving fiber, and the second receiving fiber can be configuredto transmit near infrared light. The illumination fiber, the firstreceiving fiber, and the second receiving fiber can each have a diameterof approximately 0.5 mm.

In another aspect, a method of measuring an object is provided thatincludes positioning a reference pattern in proximity to an object, thereference pattern comprising alternating light and dark spaces arrangedalong a measurement axis, and positioning an optical receiver comprisingan illumination fiber and first and second receiver fibers over thereference pattern such that an output window of the illumination fiberis aimed at the reference pattern and such that an input window of thefirst receiving fiber and an input window of the second receiving fiberare disposed along a line that is substantially parallel to themeasurement axis. The method can include moving the optical receiveralong the line relative to the reference pattern, and detecting a changein direction of movement of the optical receiver by measuring the lightreceived by the first receiving fiber in time relation to the lightreceived by the second receiving fiber.

In another aspect, an examination device is provided that includes aglove having a digit extension, a membrane disposed over at least aportion of the digit extension, the membrane and the digit extensionforming a closed volume therebetween, and a finger clip attached to thedigit extension and disposed within the closed volume. The device caninclude at least one illumination optical fiber and at least onereceiving optical fiber extending into the closed volume and through thefinger clip, and an inflation tube extending into the closed volume andconfigured to introduce an inflation medium into the closed volume.

The finger clip can be attached to the digit extension such that itextends along a dorsal surface of the digit extension and down across adistal tip of the digit extension. The at least one illumination opticalfiber and the at least one receiving optical fiber can extend throughthe inflation tube. The inflation tube can terminate proximal to aproximal end of the finger clip. The at least one illumination opticalfiber and the at least one receiving optical fiber can extend through anopen channel formed in the finger clip and through a tunnel orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the open channel. The at least oneillumination optical fiber and the at least one receiving optical fibercan terminate at a distance from a distal end of the tunnel. Thedistance can be between about 0.25 mm and about 0.5 mm. The digitextension can be or can include a forefinger extension.

In another aspect, a method of making an examination device is providedthat includes forming an open channel in a finger clip, wherein thefinger clip is configured to be disposed on a user's finger, and forminga through hole in the finger clip approximately perpendicular to theopen channel such that the through hole intersects the open channel andprovides a working connection from the open channel to a distal end ofthe finger clip. The method can include positioning at least one fiberoptic within the open channel and the through hole such that an opticalwindow formed in a terminal distal end of the fiber optic is aimed in adirection configured to be perpendicular to a dorsal surface of a user'sfinger.

The at least one fiber optic can include at least one illumination fiberoptic and at least one receiving fiber optic. The finger clip and theopen channel can be formed by injection molding. The finger clip can beformed from injection molded, soft-durometer urethane. The method caninclude routing the at least one fiber optic through an inflation tubethat terminates proximal to a proximal end of the finger clip.

In another aspect, a method of measuring an object is provided thatincludes positioning a digit extension of a glove around a user's handsuch that a finger clip attached to the digit extension extends along adorsal surface of a digit of the user's hand and down across a distaltip of the digit. The method can include positioning the digit extensionin proximity to an object, inflating a membrane disposed around thedigit extension to inflate the membrane relative to the digit extensionand to position a reference pattern coupled to the membrane at adistance apart from a distal tip of the finger clip, and moving thedistal tip of the finger clip relative to the reference pattern togenerate information indicative of a distance traveled by the distal tipof the finger clip relative to the reference pattern.

In another aspect, a connector system is provided that includes a firstconnector body having proximal and distal ends, the distal end defininga first mating interface, a first fluid lumen extending through thefirst connector body from an opening at the proximal end of the firstconnector body to an opening formed in the first mating interface, and afirst set of optical fibers extending through the first connector bodyand terminating at the first mating interface. The connector system caninclude a second connector body having proximal and distal ends, theproximal end defining a second mating interface, a second fluid lumenextending through the second connector body from an opening formed inthe second mating interface to an opening at the distal end of thesecond connector body, and a second set of optical fibers extendingthrough the second connector body and terminating at the second matinginterface. The connector system can include a connector housingconfigured to maintain the first mating interface in alignment with thesecond mating interface such that the first set of optical fibers is inoptical communication with the second set of optical fibers and thefirst fluid lumen is in fluid communication with the second fluid lumen.

The connector housing can be formed integrally with at least one of thefirst connector body and the second connector body. When mated, thefirst fluid lumen and the second fluid lumen can form a continuousfluid-tight passage having proximal and distal terminal ends. The firstset of optical fibers can enter the fluid-tight passage at a locationother than the proximal and distal terminal ends. The first set ofoptical fibers can extend through less than an entire length of thefirst fluid lumen. The second set of optical fibers can extend throughthe second fluid lumen and through a tube coupled to the distal end ofthe second connector body. The first set of optical fibers can extendfrom the proximal end of the first connector body into an interior ofthe first fluid lumen. The system can include a first key coupled to thefirst connector body and configured to cooperate with a correspondingrecess formed in the connector housing such that the first connectorbody can only be inserted into the connector housing in one orientation.The system can include a first strain relief overmold disposable overthe first connector body and a second strain relief overmold disposableover the second connector body.

In another aspect, an examination system is provided that includes aglove having a digit extension, a membrane disposed over at least aportion of the digit extension, the membrane and the digit extensionforming a closed volume therebetween, and an inflation tube extendinginto the closed volume and configured to receive an inflation fluid forinflating the membrane. The system can include at least one opticalfiber extending through the inflation tube and into the closed volume,and a connector coupled to a proximal end of the inflation tube, theconnector including an inflation lumen extending from the inflation tubeto a mating interface, wherein an optical opening of the at least oneoptical fiber terminates at the mating interface.

The system can include a first key coupled to the connector andconfigured to allow the connector to mate to a second connector in onlyone orientation.

In another aspect, an examination system is provided that includes anoptical receiver coupled to at least one optical fiber, an inflationmedium supply coupled to an inflation tube, and a connector coupled to adistal end of the inflation tube, the connector including an inflationlumen extending from the inflation tube to a mating interface, whereinan optical opening of the at least one optical fiber terminates at themating interface.

The at least one optical fiber can enter the inflation lumen at alocation within the connector. The system can include a light sourcecoupled to the at least one optical fiber. The system can include atleast one processor configured to interpret signals output from theoptical receiver. The inflation medium supply can include at least oneof a pump and a tank of compressed air.

In another aspect, a system for estimating the volume of a prostate isprovided that includes a processor programmed to provide a sensor inputmodule configured to receive information indicative of light reflectedfrom a reference pattern as an optical fiber is moved across thereference pattern from a first prostate lateral margin to a secondprostate lateral margin. The processor can be programmed to provide adistance measuring module configured to convert the received informationinto a prostate palpable surface width (PS_(W)), and a volume estimationmodule configured to estimate a volume (V) of the prostate based on thepalpable surface width (PS_(W)).

The volume estimation module can estimate the volume (V) as V=PS_(W)³×k, wherein k is a constant. The constant k can be between about 0.35and about 0.45. The constant k can be about 0.3926991. The processor canbe programmed to provide an error detection module configured to detectthat a measurement error has occurred when the received informationindicates that a direction of movement of the optical fiber changedduring a measurement. The processor can be programmed to provide adisplay module configured to drive a display to display the estimatedvolume (V). The processor can be programmed to provide an inflationcontrol module configured to actuate a pump or a control valve toinflate a membrane disposed around a digit extension of a glove to apredetermined pressure or with a predetermined volume of air. Theprocessor can be programmed to provide an RFID interface moduleconfigured to receive information indicative of an RFID signature of adisposable unit and to determine whether the disposable unit is anauthenticated disposable unit.

In another aspect, a method of estimating the volume of a prostate isprovided that includes moving an optical fiber across a referencepattern from a first lateral margin of a prostate to a second lateralmargin of the prostate to generate information indicative of lightreflected from the reference pattern. The method can include using atleast one processor to convert the generated information into a prostatepalpable surface width (PS_(W)), and using the at least one processor toestimate a volume (V) of the prostate based on the palpable surfacewidth (PS_(W)).

The method can include estimating the volume (V) as V=PS_(W) ³×k,wherein k is a constant. The constant k can be between about 0.35 andabout 0.45. The constant k can be about 0.3926991. The method caninclude using the at least one processor to detect that a measurementerror has occurred when the generated information indicates that adirection of movement of the optical fiber changed during a measurement.The method can include using the at least one processor to drive adisplay to display the estimated volume (V). The method can includeusing the at least one processor to actuate a pump or a control valve toinflate a membrane disposed around a digit extension of a glove to apredetermined pressure or with a predetermined volume of air. The methodcan include using the at least one processor to receive informationindicative of an RFID signature of a disposable unit and to determinewhether the disposable unit is an authenticated disposable unit.

The present invention further provides devices, systems, and methods asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an examination system and a patient;

FIG. 2 is a partially-transparent side view of a measurement assembly;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a measurement assembly;

FIG. 4A is a top view of a reference pattern;

FIG. 4B is a top view of another reference pattern;

FIG. 5A is a top view of a reference pattern adhered to a membrane alonga line;

FIG. 5B is a top view of a reference pattern adhered to a membrane at asingle point;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a finger clip;

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of a finger clip;

FIG. 6C is a top view of a finger clip attached to a glove;

FIG. 6D is a side view of a finger clip attached to a glove;

FIG. 7A is a schematic end view of a finger clip with optical fibersarranged in a triangle pattern;

FIG. 7B is an end view of a finger clip with optical fibers arranged ina triangle pattern;

FIG. 7C is a schematic view of the position and orientation of opticalfiber windows relative to a reference pattern;

FIG. 8A is a plot of optical sensor output signals as a function of timewhen optical fibers are moved in a first direction relative to areference pattern;

FIG. 8B is a plot of optical sensor output signals as a function of timewhen optical fibers are moved in a second direction, opposite to thefirst direction, relative to a reference pattern;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of the physical components of acontroller;

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of the logical components of acontroller;

FIG. 10 is a magnetic resonance image of a prostate;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a connector system;

FIG. 11B is an exploded perspective view of a connector system;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a first connector body;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a first key plate and a connectorhousing;

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of a connector system;

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of a second connector body;

FIG. 11G is a perspective view of a second key plate and a connectorhousing;

FIG. 11H is a cross-sectional top view of a connector system;

FIG. 12A is a schematic view of a reusable portion of an examinationsystem; and

FIG. 12B is a schematic view of a disposable portion of an examinationsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems andmethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve measuringa prostate or other object. In some embodiments, a reference pattern ispositioned adjacent to the object to be measured and light reflectedfrom the reference pattern is measured or interpreted to estimatevarious attributes of the object, such as its volume. For example, amembrane can be sealed over a glove to form a closed volume. The closedvolume can be configured to be expanded via an inflation tube, and areference pattern can be disposed within the closed volume along withone or more optical fibers. In use, a user can put on the glove,position the membrane in proximity to a rectal wall overlying aprostate, and inflate the membrane. As the user slides their fingeracross the rectal wall, the optical fibers move relative to thereference pattern and a controller senses light reflected through thefibers from the reference pattern. The controller can calculate orestimate various attributes of the prostate based on the reflectedlight, such as the palpable surface width or volume.

System Overview

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an examination system 100for measuring an object (e.g., a prostate 102). The system 100 caninclude a measurement assembly 104 configured to provide informationindicative of a dimension of the object to a controller 106. Thecontroller 106 can be configured to estimate one or more properties orconditions of the object based on the information provided by themeasurement assembly 104. The controller 106 can also be coupled to acomputer system 108 for storing or further processing the information.

As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement assembly 104 can include a glove 110with a membrane 112 disposed over a digit extension 114 thereof todefine a closed volume 116 between the glove 110 and the membrane 112. Areference pattern 118 can be formed on or coupled to an interior surfaceof the membrane 112 such that the reference pattern is disposed withinthe closed volume 116. The assembly 104 can also include a finger clip120 coupled to the digit extension 114 beneath the membrane 112. One ormore optical fibers 122 can be mounted in a channel or lumen formed inthe finger clip 120. The optical fibers 122 can be configured totransmit light generated by a light source in the controller 106 to thereference pattern 118, and to transmit light reflected from thereference pattern to an optical sensor in the controller. The assembly104 can also include an inflation tube 124 extending into the closedvolume 116 and configured to supply an inflation medium to the closedvolume to inflate the membrane 112 and expand the closed volume, or toextract an inflation medium from the closed volume to deflate themembrane 112 and reduce the closed volume. The optical fibers 122 canextend through the inflation tube 124, and a suitable connector can beprovided at a proximal end of the inflation tube for coupling theinflation tube and the optical fibers to the controller 106. In someembodiments, the measurement assembly 104 can be disposable, e.g.,adapted for a single use or for use with a single patient, whereas thecontroller 106 can be reusable.

In an exemplary method of operation, the measurement assembly 104 can beworn by a user (e.g., disposed over the user's hand). The user can thenposition the membrane 112 in proximity to an area to be measured (e.g.,a patient's rectal wall, adjacent the prostate). The membrane can beinflated using the controller 106. With the membrane 112 remainingsubstantially stationary and the light source activated, the user canswipe their gloved finger and the finger clip 120 attached thereto froma first lateral margin of the prostate to a second lateral margin of theprostate. As the finger clip 120 moves across the prostate, lightreflected from the reference pattern 118 can be transmitted to thecontroller 106, where it can be processed to determine or estimatevarious properties of the prostate, such as the palpable surface widthof the prostate or the volume of the prostate.

Measurement Assembly

Glove

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the measurement assembly 104. As shown,the measurement assembly 104 can include a glove 110 with one or moredigit extensions 114 corresponding to, and configured to receive, thefingers of a human hand. The glove 110 can thus be configured to beremovably disposed around a human hand or a portion thereof. The glove110 can be formed from any of a variety of materials suitable for use ina medical environment, including latex, natural rubber latex, neoprene,nitrile, vinyl, Vytex, and so forth. In some embodiments, the glove 110can be a standard exam glove or surgical glove. In the illustratedembodiment, a complete glove is shown (e.g., a glove having five digitextensions and configured to envelop the entirety of a human hand). Itwill be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments less than acomplete glove can be used. For example, the glove can be in the form ofa finger cot configured to cover only a single finger or portionthereof. In other embodiments, the glove can be omitted altogether andthe membrane 112 can be sealed directly around the user's finger.

Membrane

The membrane 112 can be disposed over a portion of the glove 110 (e.g.,one or more digit extensions 114 thereof), or can be disposed over theentirety of the glove 110. In some embodiments, the membrane 112 can bedefined by a finger cot having an elongate tubular structure with aclosed distal end and an open proximal end. The membrane 112 can bepositioned over a digit extension 114 of the glove 110, such as theforefinger digit extension, and the open proximal end of the membranecan be sealed circumferentially around the digit extension. The membrane112 can be sealed to the glove 110 using any of a variety of techniques,including UV-curable and/or biocompatible cements or adhesives.Exemplary adhesives include Dymax 1202-M-SC and Dymax 222/450 (availablefrom Dymax Corporation of Torrington, Conn.). The membrane 112 can besealed to the glove 110 such that a closed, fluid-tight volume 116 isdefined between the membrane and the glove. As discussed in furtherdetail below, the inflation tube 124 can be sealed between the membrane112 and the glove 110, such that the inflation tube extends into theclosed volume 116 and a distal outlet of the inflation tube is disposedwithin the closed volume. The membrane 112 can be configured to expandor inflate when an inflation medium is supplied through the inflationtube 124, and to contract or deflate when an inflation medium is removedthrough the inflation tube. Like the glove 110, the membrane 112 can beformed from any of a variety of materials suitable for use in a medicalenvironment, including latex, natural rubber latex, neoprene, nitrile,vinyl, Vytex, and so forth. In some embodiments, the membrane 112 isformed form the same material as the glove 110 and is configured towithstand strain forces applied thereto during inflation.

Reference Pattern

The reference pattern 118 can include any of a variety of indicia toprovide a reference scale for measuring a dimension of an object. FIG.4A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a reference pattern 118 inwhich the indicia include a plurality of equally-spaced, parallel lines126 defining alternating light and dark regions. In other words, theindicia provide a uniform series of alternating dark and light portions.The parallel lines 126 are arranged along a measurement axis M andextend perpendicular thereto. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the lines126 have a width as measured along the measurement axis M that is equalto the width of the spaces 128 along the measurement axis. It will beappreciated, however, that any of a variety of spacing widths can beused. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the spaces 128 can have a widthas measured along the measurement axis M that is less than half of thewidth of the lines 126 as measured along the measurement axis.

In operation, light reflected from the reference pattern 118 can bereceived though an input window formed in an optical fiber. In someembodiments, it can be desirable for the width of the light regions 128of the reference pattern 118 to be less than the diameter or width ofthe optical fiber input window. This can advantageously prevent thefiber from receiving light reflected from a plurality of light regions128 at the same time, and can thereby make pattern boundary crossingseasier to identify from the sensor output data. Thus, in embodiments inwhich the optical fiber has an input window with a diameter ofapproximately 0.5 mm, the reference pattern 118 can include lightregions 128 having a width as measured along the measurement axis M ofabout 0.3 mm and dark regions 126 having a width as measured along themeasurement axis of about 0.7 mm.

The size and shape of the reference pattern 118 can vary depending onapplication (e.g., the size and shape of the user's hand, or the sizeand shape of the object to be measured). In the illustrated embodiment,the reference pattern 118 includes an elongate central portion 130 withfirst and second wing portions 132, 134 extending laterally therefrom.The wing portions 132, 134 can be sized and configured to wrap aroundthe user's finger when the membrane 112 is in a deflated state, and toat least partially unroll therefrom when the membrane is in an inflatedstate. In some embodiments, the reference pattern 118 can have a widthas measured along the measurement axis M of about 2 inches and a heightas measured perpendicular to the measurement axis of about 1.5 inches.

The reference pattern 118 can be formed directly on the interior surfaceof the membrane 112, or can be formed on a separate substrate 136coupled to the interior surface of the membrane. In embodiments in whichthe reference pattern 118 is formed directly on the interior of themembrane 112, inflation of the membrane can result in stretching ordistortion of the reference pattern to a degree commensurate with thedegree of inflation of the membrane. In such cases, unless the degree ofmembrane inflation is known and well-controlled, the stretching of thereference pattern 118 can undesirably introduce error into themeasurement provided by the evaluation system 100.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the reference pattern 118 can beformed on a substrate 136 that is separate from but coupled to themembrane 112 such that the dimensions of the reference pattern are notdistorted by inflation or deflation of the membrane. In other words, thereference pattern 118 does not inflate or deflate or otherwise distortwith the membrane 112, and instead the spacing 128 between the pluralityof indicia 126, and the width of the indicia 126, can remain constantupon inflation and deflation of the membrane 112. As shown in FIGS.5A-5B, the reference pattern 118 can be formed on a substrate 136separate from the membrane 112. The substrate 136 can be attached to themembrane 112 using an adhesive or other attachment techniques, such asfusion bonding, hot-gas welding, vibration welding, solvent bonding, orultrasonic welding. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, a line 138 of adhesiveis applied along a central axis C of the substrate 136 (e.g., an axisthat is perpendicular to the measurement axis M). It will be appreciatedthat, due to this adhesive pattern, any stretching of the substrate 136as the membrane 112 is inflated or deflated will only stretch thereference pattern 118 along the central axis C, and not along themeasurement axis M. Accordingly, the spacing 128 between the measurementlines 126 can remain constant during inflation and deflation, as can thewidth of the lines 126. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the substrate 136is adhered to the membrane 112 at a single discrete point 140 (e.g., ata center point of the substrate 136). The size and location of theadhesion point 140 can be selected to balance resistance toinflation-related distortion of the reference pattern 118 withresistance to inadvertent rotation of the substrate 136 relative to themembrane 112.

The reference pattern 118 can be formed on the substrate 136 or membrane112 in any of a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the dark regions126 of the reference pattern 118 are printed on the substrate 136 ormembrane 112, for example using dark-colored ink, dye, or paint. Thelight regions 128 of the reference pattern 118 can be formed byuntreated portions of the substrate 136 or membrane 112, in which casethey can have the same color, transparency, translucency, etc. as theunderlying material. The light regions 128 can also be printed on themembrane 112 or substrate 136, for example using light-colored ink, dye,or paint. In embodiments in which the light regions 128 are formed byuntreated portions of the substrate 136 or membrane 112, light canreflect off of the substrate or membrane itself, or off of the tissue orother object underlying the substrate or membrane.

Any of a variety of suitable materials can be used for the substrate136, including plastics such as polyethylene. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 136 can have a thickness between about 0.5 mils and about 6.0mils. In some embodiments, the substrate 136 can have a thickness ofabout 2 mils.

Finger Clip and Inflation Tube

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the finger clip 120and the inflation tube 124. The finger clip can be configured to holdone or more optical fibers 122 in a fixed position relative to theuser's finger, in a fixed position relative to one another, and/or in afixed alignment relative to the reference pattern 118.

As shown, the finger clip 120 can include an elongate body 142configured to substantially conform to the dorsal surface of a user'sfinger (or a user's gloved finger as the case may be). The elongate body142 can include a curved or bent distal portion 144 configured tosubstantially conform to the distal tip of the user's finger. Thus, thefinger clip 120 can be attached to the digit extension 114 of the glove110 such that it extends along a dorsal surface of the digit extensionand down across a distal tip of the digit extension. It will beappreciated that the finger clip 120 can be adhered or otherwiseattached to the glove 110, such that the finger clip remains in a fixedposition relative to a user's finger when the glove is worn by the user.

The finger clip 120 can include one or more paths through which one ormore optical fibers 122 can be routed. For example, the finger clip 120can include an open channel 146 formed in its dorsal surface. The fingerclip 120 can also include a tunnel 148 formed in at least a portion ofthe curved distal part 144 of the finger clip, extending substantiallyperpendicular to the dorsal surface of the finger clip, from the openchannel 146 to an opening 150 (see FIGS. 7A-7B) defined by the terminaldistal end of the tunnel 148. While an open channel 146 in combinationwith a closed tunnel 148 is shown, it will be appreciated that theoptical fiber path through the finger clip 120 can also be open alongits entire length, closed along its entire length, or can include anycombination of closed and open portions. The finger clip 120 can beformed from a variety of materials and using a variety of techniques. Insome embodiments, the finger clip 120 can be injection molded from asoft durometer urethane (e.g., a 20 durometer urethane). The length ofthe finger clip 120 can be chosen such that, when the distal tip of thefinger clip is placed in proximity to the rectal wall over the prostate,the proximal tip of the finger clip is fully disposed within the rectumand the inflation tube 124 extends distally beyond the anal ring. Thiscan advantageously prevent the anal ring from pinching the membrane 112between the distal end of the inflation tube 124 and the proximal end ofthe finger clip 120, which could prevent full inflation of the membrane.In some embodiments, the finger clip 120 can have a length of about 4cm.

The finger clip 120 can be disposed entirely within the closed volume116 defined between the membrane 112 and the glove 110, such that itsproximal end is adjacent to the distal outlet of the inflation tube 124.The inflation tube 124 can terminate a distance D from the proximal endof the finger clip 120, such that inflation media directed through theinflation tube 124 can exit the tube at its distal end and enter theclosed volume 116 without being obstructed by the finger clip 120. Theinflation tube 124 can be formed by a length of tubing, such as Tygon NDSeries medical tubing or S-50-HL Tygon tubing available fromSaint-Gobain S.A. of France. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflationtube 124 has an inside diameter of 3/32 inches and an outside diameterof 5/32 inches. The length of the inflation tube 124 can be selectedbased on a variety of factors, including user preference and the typicaldistance between the controller 106 and the patient. In an exemplaryembodiment, the inflation tube 124 has a length of about 1 meter. Theinflation tube 124 can be configured to deliver an inflation medium tothe closed volume 116, or to extract an inflation medium from the closedvolume. Exemplary inflation media include air, carbon dioxide, saline,and water. In some embodiments, the finger clip 120 can be omitted andthe fibers 122 and/or the inflation tube 124 can instead be attacheddirectly to the glove 110, for example using an adhesive. The inflationtube 124 can have a circular cross-section, a rectangular-cross section,or any other cross-section that defines an inflation lumen through whichinflation media can be conveyed.

Fibers

The measurement assembly 104 can include one or more optical fibers 122configured to transmit light generated by a light source to thereference pattern 118, and/or to transmit light reflected from thereference pattern to an optical sensor. The optical fibers 122 canextend through the inflation tube 124 and can be routed through thefiber path defined by the finger clip 120. The optical fibers 122 can besecured within the fiber path, for example using a friction fit or asuitable adhesive. The fibers 122 can terminate a distance from thedistal opening 150 in the finger clip tunnel 148, such that a desiredspacing is maintained between the end of the fiber and the referencepattern 118 even when the tip of the finger clip 120 is in directcontact with the reference pattern. In some embodiments, the fibers 122can terminate between about 0.25 mm and about 0.5 mm from the distalopening 150 of the finger clip tunnel 148. The fibers 122 can thus bepositioned within the finger clip 120 such that optical windows formedin the terminal distal ends of the fibers are aimed in a directionperpendicular to a dorsal surface of a user's finger when the fingerclip is attached to the user's finger.

In some embodiments, a single fiber 122 can be used both to transmitlight from the light source to the reference pattern 118 and to transmitlight reflected from the reference pattern to the optical sensor. Infurther embodiments, the measurement assembly 104 can include atransmitting optical fiber for directing light from the light source tothe reference pattern 118 and a receiving optical fiber for directinglight reflected from the reference pattern to the optical sensor. Instill further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the system caninclude a transmitting fiber 122T and first and second receiver fibers122R1, 122R2, each of the receiver fibers being configured to transmitlight reflected from the reference pattern 118 to one or more opticalsensors. The optical fibers 122 can be coupled directly to the lightsource or optical sensors, or can be coupled thereto via one or moreintermediate fibers, for example using a connector system as describedbelow.

Each of the optical fibers 122 can be jacketed or unjacketed, and caninclude one or more input or output windows through which light canpass. For example, the transmitting optical fiber 122T can include aninput window defined by its terminal proximal end and an output windowdefined by its terminal distal end. Similarly, the receiver fiber(s)122R1, 122R2 can include an input window defined by their terminaldistal end and an output window defined by their terminal proximal end.The fibers 122 can be configured to transmit infrared, near-infrared,visible, or other any other detectable spectra of light. Exemplaryfibers include unjacketed CK-20 ESKA plastic optical fibers having adiameter of 0.5 mm, available from Mitsubishi International Corporationof New York, N.Y. The fibers 122 can have a length that is slightlylonger than that of the inflation tube 124 to facilitate routing of thefibers through the finger clip 120 and/or a connector assembly coupledto the inflation tube.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the fibers 122 can be positioned in the fingerclip 120 so as to improve the measurement accuracy and error detectioncapabilities of the system 100. In particular, the transmitting fiber122T and the first and second receiver fibers 122R1, 122R2 can bepositioned in the finger clip 120 such that the input windows of thefirst and second receiver fibers are arranged in a line M1 that issubstantially parallel to the measurement axis M of the referencepattern 118 when the system 100 is assembled. The transmitting fiber122T can be positioned above or below the receiver fibers 122R1, 122R2such that the output window of the transmitting fiber and the inputwindows of the first and second receiver fibers are arranged in atriangle or delta pattern.

During operation, as the user swipes the finger clip 120 across thereference pattern 118, the offset between the receiver fibers 122R1,122R2 along the measurement axis M can cause one of the receiver fibersto transmit reflected light before the reflected light can betransmitted by the other receiver fiber. Accordingly, the optical sensoroutput corresponding to the first fiber will toggle before the opticalsensor output of the second fiber.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plots of the output of an optical sensor R1 coupledto the first receiver fiber 122R1 and the output of an optical sensor R2coupled to the second receiver fiber 122R2 as a function of time. Asshown in FIG. 8A, when the finger clip 120 is moved in a first directionalong the measurement axis M, the sensor R1 for the first receiver fiber122R1 detects a boundary crossing slightly before the boundary crossingis detected by the sensor R2 for the second receiver fiber 122R2. Asshown in FIG. 8B, when the finger clip 120 is moved in a seconddirection along the measurement axis M, opposite to the first direction,the sensor R2 for the second receiver fiber 122R2 detects a boundarycrossing slightly before the boundary crossing is detected by the sensorR1 for the first receiver fiber 122R1. Accordingly, by comparing thelight received by the first receiver fiber 122R1 in time relation to thelight received by the second receiver fiber 122R2, the direction offinger clip 120 movement relative to the reference pattern 118 can bedetermined. As discussed further below, the controller 106 can beconfigured to detect that an error has occurred when a change indirection is detected, or to compensate for the change in direction.

Controller

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the physical components of anexemplary embodiment of the controller 106. Although an exemplarycontroller 106 is depicted and described herein, it will be appreciatedthat this is for sake of generality and convenience. In otherembodiments, the controller 106 may differ in architecture and operationfrom that shown and described here.

The illustrated controller 106 includes a processor 152 which controlsthe operation of the controller 106, for example by executing embeddedsoftware, operating systems, device drivers, application programs, andso forth. The processor 152 can include any type of microprocessor orcentral processing unit (CPU), including programmable general-purpose orspecial-purpose processors and/or any of a variety of proprietary orcommercially-available single or multi-processor systems, including32-bit PIC Peripheral Interface Controllers or 16-bit dsPIC digitalsignal Peripheral Interface Controllers available from MicrochipTechnology Incorporated of Chandler, Ariz. As used herein, the termprocessor can refer to microprocessors, microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs,processors that read and interpret program instructions from internal orexternal memory or registers, and so forth. The controller 106 alsoincludes a memory 154, which provides temporary or permanent storage forcode to be executed by the processor 152 or for data that is processedby the processor. The memory 154 can include read-only memory (ROM),flash memory, one or more varieties of random access memory (RAM),and/or a combination of memory technologies. The various components ofthe controller 106 can be interconnected via any one or more separatetraces, physical busses, communication lines, etc.

The controller 106 can also include an interface 156, such as acommunication interface or an I/O interface. A communication interfacecan enable the controller 106 to communicate with remote devices (e.g.,other controllers or computer systems) over a network or communicationsbus (e.g., a universal serial bus). An I/O interface can facilitatecommunication between one or more input devices, one or more outputdevices, and the various other components of the controller 106.Exemplary input devices include touch screens, mechanical buttons,keyboards, and pointing devices. The controller can also include astorage device 158, which can include any conventional medium forstoring data in a non-volatile and/or non-transient manner. The storagedevice 158 can thus hold data and/or instructions in a persistent state(i.e., the value is retained despite interruption of power to thecontroller 106). The storage device 158 can include one or more harddisk drives, flash drives, USB drives, optical drives, various mediadisks or cards, and/or any combination thereof and can be directlyconnected to the other components of the controller 106 or remotelyconnected thereto, such as through the communication interface. Thecontroller 106 can also include a display 160, and can generate imagesto be displayed thereon. In some embodiments, the display 160 can be avacuum fluorescent display (VFD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)display, or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The controller 106 can also include a power supply 162 and appropriateregulating and conditioning circuitry. Exemplary power supplies includebatteries, such as polymer lithium ion batteries, or adapters forcoupling the controller 106 to a DC or AC power source (e.g., a USBadapter or a wall adapter). The controller 106 can also include aninflation system 164, such as an electromechanical pump controlled bythe processor 152. Other inflation systems can also be employed, such asa stored volume of compressed fluid (e.g., air or carbon dioxide) or amanual pump (e.g., a sphygmomanometer bulb). A pressure relief valve 166or other safety device can also be provided to prevent over-inflation ofthe membrane 112 and/or to deflate the membrane when an evaluation iscomplete. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 166 can beconfigured to fail into the open position, such that pressure isreleased from the membrane 112 in the event of a power loss or othersystem malfunction. The inflation system 164 can be configured to supplyan inflation medium through the inflation tube 124 and into the closedvolume 116. Any of a variety of inflation media can be used, includingair, carbon dioxide, saline, water, and the like. In some embodiments,the inflation system 164 can be configured to inflate the membrane 112to an inflation pressure of 1.5 psi, and the pressure relief valve 166can be configured to release pressure if and when it exceeds 2.0 psi.The inflation system 164 can also be configured to supply a fixed volumeof an inflation medium to the membrane 112, e.g., about 25 mL of air.

The controller 106 can also include an optical system that includes afirst detector circuit 168R1 for receiving light transmitted through thefirst receiver fiber 122R1, a second detector circuit 168R2 forreceiving light transmitted through the second receiver fiber 122R2, anda light source 170 for producing light to be transmitted through thetransmitting fiber 122T. In some embodiments, the detector circuits 168can include a photo detector that is optically coupled to a fiber 122and electrically coupled to the processor 152. Exemplary photo detectorsinclude CMOS image sensors, charge-coupled devices, photodiodes,photoresistors, and phototransistors (e.g., photodarlington detectors).The photo detector can provide an electrical output signal to theprocessor 152 based on light that is received by the photo detector. Thelight source 170 can be or can include any of a variety of devicesconfigured to produce light, including LEDs and incandescent bulbs. Insome embodiments, the light source 170 can include an infrared LED.

The various functions performed by the controller 106 can be logicallydescribed as being performed by one or more modules. It will beappreciated that such modules can be implemented in hardware, software,or a combination thereof. It will further be appreciated that, whenimplemented in software, modules can be part of a single program or oneor more separate programs, and can be implemented in a variety ofcontexts (e.g., as part of an embedded software package, an operatingsystem, a device driver, a standalone application, and/or combinationsthereof). In addition, software embodying one or more modules can bestored as an executable program on one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable storage mediums. Functions disclosed herein as beingperformed by a particular module can also be performed by any othermodule or combination of modules, and the controller can include feweror more modules than what is shown and described herein. FIG. 9B is aschematic diagram of the modules of one exemplary embodiment of thecontroller 106.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the controller 106 can include a sensor inputmodule 172 configured to receive information indicative of lightreflected from the reference pattern 118 as the optical fiber(s) 122 aremoved across the reference pattern during an examination. The sensorinput module 172 can read and interpret photo detector output signalssupplied from the photo detectors 168 to the processor 152, e.g., via ageneral purpose input/output pin of the processor. The sensor inputmodule 172 can optionally perform various processing on the photodetector output signal, such as debouncing, analog-to-digitalconversion, filtering, and so forth.

The controller 106 can also include a distance measuring module 174configured to convert the information received by the sensor inputmodule 172 into a measurement of the object being evaluated (e.g., apalpable surface width PS_(W) in the case of a prostate). For example,when a start instruction is issued (e.g., in response to the user'spressing of a “start measurement” button or equivalent), the distancemeasuring module 174 can begin counting the number of signal pulsesreceived from the photo detectors 168. When an end instruction is issued(e.g., in response to the user's pressing of an “end measurement” buttonor after a predetermined time has elapsed without a detected pulse), thedistance measuring module 174 can multiply the number of pulses countedby the width of the indicia 126 and spaces 128 formed on the referencepattern 118. This width can be pre-stored as a constant value in thememory 154 of the controller 106, can be manually input by the user viathe controller's user interface, or can be read from a passive or activememory chip disposed in the measurement assembly 104.

The controller 106 can also include a volume estimation module 176configured to estimate a volume or other attribute of the object beingmeasured based on one or more measurements obtained by the distancemeasuring module 174. For example, the volume estimation module 176 canbe configured to calculate or estimate the volume (V) of a prostatebased on the palpable surface width (PS_(W)) of the prostate as obtainedby the distance measuring module 174. The palpable surface of a prostateis illustrated in the magnetic resonance image shown in FIG. 10. Thevolume can be calculated as:

V=PS _(W) ³ ·k

where k is a constant. Any of a variety of values can be used for theconstant k to calculate the volume. In some embodiments, k is betweenabout 0.01 and about 1.00. In some embodiments, k is between about 0.35and about 0.45. In some embodiments, k is about 0.3926991. The volumeestimation module 176 can also use other techniques to estimate thevolume (V) based on the measured palpable surface width PS_(W). Forexample, the volume estimation module 176 can reference a lookup tablestored in the memory 154 to determine a volume associated with aparticular palpable surface width. The volume estimation module 176 canalso estimate other dimensions of the prostate based on the palpablesurface width (e.g., a height (H), a width (W) and a depth (D)), andcalculate the prostate volume using the estimated dimensions. Forexample, the volume (V) of the prostate can be calculated as:

V=H·W·D·π/6

or as:

V=H ² ·W·π/6

Referring again to FIG. 9B, the controller 106 can also include an errordetection module 178 configured to detect when a measurement error mayhave occurred. The error detection module 178 can compare the photodetector output corresponding to the first receiver fiber 122R1 to thephoto detector output corresponding to the second receiver fiber 122R2(e.g., as described above with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B), to determinethe order in which the first and second receiver fibers encounter amarking or border crossing on the reference pattern 118. If the errordetection module 178 detects that this order changes during ameasurement (e.g., between the time when a start instruction and an endinstruction are issued), the error detection module can flag that anerror has occurred. For example, the error detection module 178 cancause an error LED to be illuminated, an audible alert to be sounded,and/or a visible message to be shown on the display 160. In someembodiments, the error detection module 178 can be configured tocompensate for directional changes by decrementing the indicia countwhen it is detected that the user is moving the optical fibers 122backwards along the reference pattern 118.

The controller 106 can also include an inflation control module 180configured to actuate the inflation system 164. When an “inflate”instruction is issued (e.g., when the user pushes an inflate button or astart measurement button on the controller housing or on a touch screendisplay), the inflation control module 180 can cause power to besupplied to an electromechanical pump to begin pumping an inflationmedium into the closed volume 116, or cause an electronically-actuatedvalve to open such that inflation media stored under pressure is placedin fluid communication with the closed volume via the inflation tube124. In some embodiments, the inflation control module 180 can beconfigured to cut off power to the pump or to close a valve when apressure sensor indicates that the pressure in the system has reached apredetermined threshold amount, thereby preventing over-inflation of themembrane.

The controller 106 can also include a display module 182 configured todisplay various information to the user on the display 160, such asmenus, buttons, instructions, and other user interface elements. Thedisplay module 162 can also be configured to display instructions,warnings, errors, measurements, and calculations. For example, thedisplay module 182 can be configured to display the palpable surfacewidth (PS_(W)) and volume (V) of a prostate after a measurementprocedure is completed on the prostate.

The controller 106 can also include an identification module 184configured to determine whether the measurement assembly 104 is anauthenticated measurement assembly. In some embodiments, the measurementassembly 104 can include an RFID tag, micro bar code, or other embeddedidentification information. The identification module 184 can beconfigured to read this identification information and compare it to adatabase of measurement assemblies. The database can be stored in thecontroller 106 or can be accessible via a network, and can indicatewhether or not a particular measurement assembly 104 is authenticated.If the measurement assembly 104 is determined not to be authenticated,the identification module 184 can indicate as much to the user and canprevent the measurement from proceeding. If the measurement assembly 104is determined to be authenticated, the identification module 184 canpermit the measurement to proceed. When a measurement session iscompleted, the identification module 184 can be configured to create ormark an entry in the database indicating that the measurement assembly104 used during the session is no longer authenticated, therebypreventing the measurement assembly 104 from being reused.

Connector System

As noted above, the system 100 can include one or more multiplexconnector systems for coupling the measurement assembly 104 to thecontroller 106. FIGS. 11A-11H illustrate an exemplary embodiment of aconnector system 200 in which a first fluid lumen and a first set ofoptical fibers (which can be disposed in the controller 106) can beselectively coupled to a second fluid lumen and a second set of opticalfibers (which can be disposed in the measurement assembly 104). Theillustrated connector system 200 can advantageously ensure properalignment between the inflation and optical systems of the controller106 and the measurement assembly 104. The connector system 200 can alsoallow the optical fibers to transition from a position outside of theinflation lumen to a position within the inflation lumen. The connectorsystem 200 can include a first connector assembly 202A, a secondconnector assembly 202B, and a connector housing 204.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the first connector assembly 202A can include afirst connector body 206A, a first key plate 208A, a first internalovermold 210A, a first gasket 212A, and a first external overmold 214A.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the first connector body 206A can include aproximal extension portion 216A and a distal rectangular parallelepipedframe 218A. The proximal extension portion 216A can include a fluidpassageway 220A and one or more fiber passageways 222A extendingtherethrough. The distal-facing surface of the frame 218A can define afirst mating interface 224A configured to abut with a second matinginterface 224B of the second connector body 206B, as discussed below.The frame 218A can also include internal baffles 226A that define asubstantially H-shaped lumen 228A. In other words, the H-shaped lumen228A can include first and second pathways that extend generally in thesame direction with a crossover pathway joining the two together. Asshown, a first leg 228A1 of the H-shaped lumen extends proximally to thefluid passageway 220A in the proximal extension portion 216A. A secondleg 228A2 of the H-shaped lumen extends proximally to the fiberpassageway(s) 222A in the proximal extension portion 216A. A third leg228A3 of the H-shaped lumen extends distally to a fluid opening 230Aformed in the first mating interface 224A. A fourth leg 228A4 of theH-shaped lumen extends distally to one or more fiber openings 232Aformed in the first mating interface 224A.

The distal frame 218A can include at least one open face 234A throughwhich the interior of the frame can be accessed. When assembled, thefirst key plate 208A can be glued to the frame 218A using an adhesivesuch that the first key plate covers the open face 234A of the frame. Asshown in FIG. 11D, the first key plate 208A can include a planar baseportion 236A with a raised key projection 238A configured to interfacewith a corresponding recess 240A in the connector housing 204. The sizeand shape of the projection 238A can be selected such that the firstconnector assembly 202A can only mate with the connector housing 204 inone orientation.

As shown in FIG. 11E, the first internal overmold 210A can be configuredto slide over the proximal extension portion 216A and cover theproximal-facing surface of the distal frame 218A, or can be injectionmolded therearound. The first internal overmold 210A can be configuredto support the proximal extension 216A and provide strain relief. Thefirst internal overmold 210A can also include a lip 242A for forming thedistal sidewall of a trough in which the first gasket 212A is seated.

The first gasket 212A can be configured to form a fluid-tight seal atthe interface between the first connector assembly 202A and theconnector housing 204. In some embodiments, the first gasket 212A can bea rubber O-ring.

The first external overmold 214A can be configured to slide over thefirst internal overmold 210A, or can be injection molded therearound,and can include a lip 244A for forming the proximal sidewall of thetrough in which the first gasket 212A is seated. The first externalovermold 214A can include a gripping surface 246A defined by a series ofgrooves or ribs, and can include raised tabs 248A and/or slots 250Aconfigured to mate with corresponding features formed in the connectorhousing 204, such that the first connector assembly 202A can snap-fitinto the connector housing 204.

Referring again to FIG. 11B, the second connector assembly 202B caninclude a second connector body 206B, a second key plate 208B, a secondinternal overmold 210B, a second gasket 212B, and a second externalovermold 214B.

As shown in FIG. 11F, the second connector body 206B can include adistal extension portion 216B and a proximal rectangular parallelepipedframe 218B. The distal extension portion 216B can include a fluidpassageway 220B extending therethrough. The proximal-facing surface ofthe frame 218B can define a second mating interface 224B configured toabut with the first mating interface 224A of the first connector body206A, as discussed below. The frame 218B can also include internalbaffles 226B that define a substantially H-shaped lumen 228B. In otherwords, the H-shaped lumen 228B can include first and second pathwaysthat extend generally in the same direction with a crossover pathwayjoining the two together. As shown, a first leg 228B1 of the H-shapedlumen 228B extends distally to the fluid passageway 220B in the distalextension portion 216B. A second leg 228B2 of the H-shaped lumen 228Bextends distally to a closed-off termination 252B formed by the wall ofthe frame 218B. A third leg 228B3 of the H-shaped lumen 228B extendsproximally to a fluid opening 230B formed in the second mating interface224B. A fourth leg 228B4 of the H-shaped lumen 228B extends proximallyto one or more fiber openings 232B formed in the second mating interface224B.

The proximal frame 218B can include at least one open face 234B throughwhich the interior of the frame can be accessed. When assembled, thesecond key plate 208B can be glued to the frame 218B using an adhesivesuch that the second key plate covers the open face 234B of the frame.As shown in FIG. 11G, the second key plate 208B can include a planarbase portion 236B with a raised key projection 238B configured tointerface with a corresponding recess 240B in the connector housing 204.The size and shape of the projection 238B can be selected such that thesecond connector assembly 202B can only mate with the connector housing204 in one orientation. The second key plate 208B, which can form partof a disposable portion of the system 100, can include an RFID tag orother identifier which can be read by the identification module 184 asdiscussed above. In particular, the second key plate 208B can beinjection molded around an RFID tag. It will be appreciated that theRFID tag can also be placed in any of a variety of other places in thedisposable portion of the system 100, such as in the glove 110, themembrane 112, or the disposable portion's packaging.

Referring again to FIG. 11E, the second internal overmold 210B can beconfigured to slide over the distal extension portion 216B and cover thedistal-facing surface of the proximal frame 218B, or can be injectionmolded therearound. The second internal overmold 210B can be configuredto support the distal extension 216B and provide strain relief. Thesecond internal overmold 210B can include a lip 242B for forming theproximal sidewall of a trough in which the second gasket 212B is seated.

The second gasket 212B can be configured to form a fluid-tight seal atthe interface between the second connector assembly 202B and theconnector housing 204. In some embodiments, the second gasket 212B canbe a rubber O-ring.

The second external overmold 214B can be configured to slide over thesecond internal overmold 210B, or can be injection molded therearound,and can include a lip 244B for forming the distal sidewall of the troughin which the second gasket 212B is seated. The second external overmold214B can include a gripping surface 246B defined by a series of groovesor ribs, and can include raised tabs 248B and/or slots 250B configuredto mate with corresponding features formed in the connector housing 204,such that the second connector assembly 202B can snap-fit into theconnector housing 204.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the connector housing can include a rectangularparallelepiped frame 252 with a proximal opening 254 for receiving thefirst connector assembly 202A and a distal opening 256 for receiving thesecond connector assembly 202B. The housing 204 can include key slots240A, 240B for receiving the first and second key plates 208A, 208B,respectively, as shown in FIGS. 11D and 11G. The housing 204 can alsoinclude a mating flange 258 and spring arms 260 that together define achannel 262 in which the chassis of the controller 106 can be received.In particular, as the connector housing 204 is inserted through anopening in the controller chassis 264 during system assembly, thechassis wall 266 causes the spring arms 260 to deflect inwardly towardsthe housing 204. As the housing 204 is advanced further through theopening, the spring arms 260 surpass the chassis wall 266 and returnoutwardly away from the housing 204 to lock the chassis wall 266 in thechannel 262, between the spring arms 260 and the flange 258, as shownfor example in FIG. 12A. It will be appreciated that other techniquescan also be used to mount, attach, or integrate the connector system 200with the controller chassis 264. For example, the flange 258 can beconfigured to be disposed in the interior of the chassis 264, and/or caninclude one or more mounting screws or bolts for securing the housing204 to the chassis 264. In some embodiments, the connector housing 204can be formed integrally with at least one of the first connector body206A and the second connector body 206B.

The components of the connector system 200 can be formed using a varietyof techniques (e.g., stereolithography or injection molding) and from avariety of materials (e.g., polyvinyl chloride or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)).

As shown in FIG. 11H, the first mating interface 224A of the firstconnector body 206A and the second mating interface 224B of the secondconnector body 206B can be placed in apposition such that fibers 122Aextending through the first connector body are placed in opticalcommunication with fibers 122B extending through the second connectorbody, and such that a fluid lumen 124A extending through the firstconnector body is placed in fluid communication with a fluid lumen 124Bextending through the second connector body. The first mating interface224A can be maintained in alignment with the second mating interface224B by the connector housing 204.

As also shown in FIG. 11H, the connector system 200 can allow one ormore optical fibers 122 to be introduced into a fluid-tight passage(e.g., the inflation tube 124 of a prostate evaluation system 100). Inthe illustrated connector system 200, a first set of three opticalfibers 122A enters the proximal end of the first connector body 206Athrough the fiber passageway 222A in the proximal extension portion216A. The fibers 122A then extend through the second leg 228A2 of theH-shaped lumen and into the fourth leg 228A4, where their terminaldistal ends are presented at the first mating interface 224A. Theterminal proximal ends of the fibers 122A can be coupled to the lightsource 170 and optical sensors 168R1, 168R2 of the controller 106, asshown in FIG. 12A. The first set of optical fibers 122A can thus extendthrough less than an entire length of the fluid lumen formed in thefirst connector body 206A.

A second set of three optical fibers 122B enters the distal end of thesecond connector body 206B through the inflation lumen 220B in thedistal extension portion 216B. The fibers 122B then extend through thefirst leg 228B1 of the H-shaped lumen, through the crossover path, andinto the fourth leg 228B4, where their terminal proximal ends arepresented at the second mating interface 224B. The terminal distal endsof the fibers 122B can be mounted in the finger clip 120, as shown inFIG. 12B.

In some embodiments, the ends of the fibers 122A, 122B presented at thefirst and second mating interfaces 224A, 224B can be square-cut to forma butt joint with each other. In other embodiments, the ends of thefibers 122A, 122B can be slash- or oblique-cut to form a miter jointwith each other. Use of a miter joint can, in some instances, reducereflections produced at the fiber junction, and thereby reduce noise andimprove measurement accuracy.

In addition to providing a fiber path, the connector system 200 candefine a fluid-tight passageway extending therethrough. Fluid suppliedfrom the controller inflation system (e.g., from a manual pump 164 andpressure relief valve 166 as shown in FIG. 12A) can enter the proximalend of the fluid passageway 220A and can flow through the first andthird legs 228A1, 228A3 of the H-shaped lumen in the first connectorbody 206A. The fluid can then flow across the intersection of the firstand second mating interfaces 224A, 224B, and into the third and firstlegs 228B3, 228B1 of the H-shaped lumen in the second connector body206B. The fluid can then flow through the fluid passageway 220B formedin the distal extension portion 216B (e.g., to the inflation tube 124leading to the sealed membrane volume 116 of the measurement assembly104, as shown in FIG. 12B).

The mated connector system 200 thus provides a continuous fluid-tightpassage having proximal and distal terminal ends, in which one or moreoptical fibers 122 can enter the fluid-tight passage at a location otherthan the proximal and distal terminal ends. In other words, theconnector system 200 can allow optical fibers 122 to extend from aposition outside of the inflation path to a position inside theinflation path without losing inflation pressure.

It will be appreciated that the system 100 can be divided into areusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion, shownin FIG. 12A, can include the controller 106, the connector housing 204mounted in the controller chassis 264, and the first connector assembly202A disposed within the controller chassis. The disposable portion,shown in FIG. 12B, can include the second connector assembly 202B andthe measurement assembly 104. The connector system 200 can thus allowfor quick and easy connection/disconnection of the optical and fluidsystems of the reusable portion and the disposable portion in a singleoperation.

Methods

An exemplary method of using the system 100 to measure a patient'sprostate is as follows. First, the user can remove the disposableportion of the system (e.g., the measurement assembly 104 and the secondconnector assembly 202B) from its packaging. The user can then couplethe disposable portion to the reusable portion of the system. Forexample, the second connector assembly 202B can be inserted into theconnector housing 204 mounted in the controller 106. The user can thendon the glove 110 and insert their forefinger into the patient's rectum.As noted above, the finger clip 120 can be attached to the dorsal anddistal surfaces of the user's finger, such that the ventral surface ofthe user's finger remains free to perform a digital rectal examinationas would conventionally be done with a standard exam glove. The user cantherefore perform a standard digital rectal examination and obtain aprostate measurement using the system 100 without changing gloves.

When the user is ready to take a measurement, the membrane 112 can bepositioned adjacent to the rectal wall in proximity to the prostate 102.The membrane 112 can then be inflated such that the membrane expandsinto contact with the rectal wall. The membrane 112 can be inflated byactuating a manual pump, or by pushing a button or other user interfaceelement on the controller 106 to activate an electromechanical pump,valve, or other inflation system component. As explained above, when themembrane 112 is inflated, the spacing 128 and width of the indicia 126on the reference pattern 118 can remain substantially constant.

Before or after inflating the membrane 112, the user can locate a firstprostate lateral margin with their finger. The user can then push abutton or other user interface element on the controller 106 to initiateexecution of a measurement routine by the processor 152. The button oruser interface element for initiating a measurement can be the same asthe one for inflating the membrane 112, such that a single button pushis effective to both inflate the membrane and initiate a measurement.Separate buttons can alternatively be provided. The user can then swipetheir finger from the first prostate lateral margin to the secondprostate lateral margin, thereby moving the finger clip 120 andassociated optical fibers 122 along the measurement axis M of thereference pattern 118, as the reference pattern and membrane 112 remainstationary against the rectal wall.

As the user's finger moves across the reference pattern 118, lightgenerated by the light source 170 can be transmitted to the referencepattern through the transmitting fiber 122T, and reflected back from thereference pattern to the optical detectors 168R1, 168R2 through thefirst and second receiver fibers 122R1, 122R2. As the receiver fibersmove from a light region 128 to a dark region 126 and vice-versa, theoptical sensor outputs provided to the processor 152 change. Theprocessor 152 can maintain a count of such transitions until the userreaches the second prostate lateral margin, at which time the user canend the measurement procedure, for example by pushing a button or userinterface element on the controller 106, or by holding their fingerstationary such that a predetermined time elapses without a change insensor output, thereby triggering the processor to end the measurementroutine. If the user changes the direction in which they are movingtheir finger during the measurement routine, such a change in directioncan be detected as described above and can trigger an error message tothe user or compensation processing.

When the measurement procedure is finished, the processor 152 cancalculate or estimate values for the palpable surface width and/orvolume of the prostate as described above. These values can then bedisplayed on the display 160, stored in the storage device 158, and/ortransmitted to the computer system 108 for storage and/or furtherprocessing. For example, the measured volume of the prostate can becompared to a threshold volume based on the patient's age or otherfactors to determine whether a biopsy should be recommended to thepatient. When the user is finished taking measurements, the membrane canbe deflated (e.g., automatically upon the user's pressing of an “endmeasurement” button) and the measurement assembly 104 can be removedfrom the patient. The second connector assembly 202B can be unpluggedfrom the connector housing 204 and the disposable portion of the system100 can be taken off and discarded in accordance with proper medicalwaste disposal procedures. In some embodiments, the “disposable” portionof the system 100 can also be cleaned and/or sterilized for subsequentreuse.

While the systems and methods disclosed herein are generally describedin connection with measuring a human prostate for diagnostic purposes,it will be appreciated that many other applications exist for suchsystems and methods. For example, the systems and methods disclosedherein can be used to measure any object, including any portion of ahuman or animal body. In addition, the systems and methods disclosedherein can be used to measure colorectal cancers or lesions that arewithin a finger's length into the rectum or to check for benignprostatic hyperplasia.

As used herein, the term “fluid” refers to both liquids (e.g., water orsaline) and gasses (e.g., air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide).

Although the invention has been described by reference to specificembodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be madewithin the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described.Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to thedescribed embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by thelanguage of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An examination device, comprising: a membranedefining an interior volume; a reference pattern disposed within theinterior volume of the membrane; an illumination fiber extending intothe interior volume of the membrane and configured to transmit light tothe reference pattern through an output window; a first receiving fiberextending into the interior volume of the membrane and configured toreceive light reflected from the reference pattern through a first inputwindow; and a second receiving fiber extending into the interior volumeof the membrane and configured to receive light reflected from thereference pattern through a second input window.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein the output window is formed in a terminal distal end of theillumination fiber, the first input window is formed in a terminaldistal end of the first receiving fiber, and the second input window isformed in a terminal distal end of the second receiving fiber.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the output window, the first input window,and the second input window are disposed adjacent to one another in adelta configuration.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the referencepattern includes a plurality of indicia arranged along a measurementaxis and wherein the first input window and the second input window arearranged in a line that is substantially parallel to the measurementaxis.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indicia includea series of lines spaced equally along the measurement axis.
 6. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the illumination fiber, the first receivingfiber, and the second receiving fiber are configured to transmit nearinfrared light.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the illuminationfiber, the first receiving fiber, and the second receiving fiber eachhave a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm.
 8. A method of measuring anobject, comprising: positioning a reference pattern in proximity to anobject, the reference pattern comprising alternating light and darkspaces arranged along a measurement axis; positioning an opticalreceiver comprising an illumination fiber and first and second receiverfibers over the reference pattern such that an output window of theillumination fiber is aimed at the reference pattern and such that aninput window of the first receiving fiber and an input window of thesecond receiving fiber are disposed along a line that is substantiallyparallel to the measurement axis; moving the optical receiver along theline relative to the reference pattern; and detecting a change indirection of movement of the optical receiver by measuring the lightreceived by the first receiving fiber in time relation to the lightreceived by the second receiving fiber.